Giants Closing Time: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

In a disgusting affair that regrettably lived up to its advanced billing, the Giants dismissed the Redskins 20-6 in a rain soaked finale. They concluded the season on a 7-3 run, and will select #12 in late April’s draft. No playoffs… no premiere prospect despite 0-6 out of the gate– stuck in the middle with you.

The Good

Jerrel Jernigan transformed from afterthought to weapon in the final three weeks. He led the team in both rushing (57) and receiving (90) versus Washington while scoring touchdowns via both avenues. Prior to last week he hadn’t reached paydirt in his 2+ year career. Jernigan matched all other Giants receiving options with six catches and outgained them by 17 yards. He was utilized frequently in the wildcat at Troy, and showed off his ‘slippery in space’ qualities on this 49-yard jaunt:

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NFL Game Rewind

The second half of Sunday’s game was the ideal spot for Peyton Hillis. All emotion was sucked out of the building, the weather was atrocious and everyone wanted to just call it a year – except for Hillis. He delivered punishment in the final three quarters, carrying the ball 17 times for 53 yards and four first-downs. Hillis preys on loafing defenders.

Cornerback Trumaine McBride recorded his first two interceptions since 2008 and defensed a six-pack of Kirk Cousins passes. As a team the Giants had 17 PD’s, nearly matching their total from the previous five weeks combined (19).

In potentially his final game wearing Big Blue, Justin Tuck notched six tackles (4 solo), two sacks and forced a fumble. He finished the year with 11 sacks (career-high of 12), six of which came against Washington. He tied Keith Hamilton for 5^th all-time on the Giants sack list with 61.

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NFL Game Rewind

The Bad

Eli Manning’s interception in the closing stages of the first half ensured the Giants would commit at least one turnover in all 16 games. His first pass on September 8^th was intercepted by DeMarcus Ware; his final pass on December 29^th was intercepted by Josh Wilson. That pretty much sums it up – an apropos end to a nightmarish offensive season (69.4 QB Rating).

Andre Brown again struggled to find any semblance of running room, and lost a fumble for the 3rd time in four weeks. Excluding his long run of eight yards, he carried the rock 12 times for THREE yards. A blocking dependent runner, he was a dead duck behind the Giants mash unit offensive front. Brown’s initial burst is non-existent.

The Ugly

Casualties of the brutal field conditions were plenty: Manning and Hakeem Nicks left early with ankle sprains. Rueben Randle, who was questionable with knee swelling, was forced to exit in the second quarter. The severe injury struck LT Will Beatty, who suffered a broken leg while attempting to bat down a tipped Curtis Painter offering. His status for the beginning 2014 (and beyond) is unclear. Outside of RT Justin Pugh, the entire offensive line could be new faces.

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